Byron’s newest community space opened its doors officially on Friday 25 October, as the town’s treasured former hospital site entered a new era as Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country.
Byron’s newest community space opened its doors officially on Friday 25 October, as the town’s treasured former hospital site entered a new era as Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country.
Managed by not-for-profit community service organisation, Social Futures, the transformed Council-owned building is a dynamic hub for community and commercial mixed-use tenancy and co-working opportunities.
Social Futures CEO, Tony Davies, was pleased to welcome Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country’s first tenants, as they come together to connect and collaborate in support of the community.
“Over many years, dedicated local community members have collaborated alongside Byron Shire Council and Social Futures, pouring their heart and soul into the vision for this project,” said Mr Davies.
“We are excited to see it come to fruition, and for all that its future holds in helping to build an ever stronger and more vibrant Byron Bay.”
The centre is buzzing with activity as educators, and values-driven for purpose community organisations establish a new base from which to support positive social change that will help people to thrive.
Leading the charge among the first occupants are Byron Community College, Northern Rivers Community Foundation, and The Family Centre. Baloney’s Deli café fit out is also well underway.
Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said,
“When the Byron Central Hospital opened at Ewingsdale the community was insistent that the old hospital site continue to be used for the health and well-being of local people and not be sold for commercial profit.”
“To be here today with those community representatives and Ben Franklin, President of the NSW Parliament, who successfully took the case to the NSW Government, is such an example of what can be achieved with vision and trust and intent.”
Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country Centre Manager, Mikaela Hicks, oversees the site and shared her delight as it opens to the public.
“It’s been tremendously exciting welcoming the first ten tenants into the centre, following handover of the redevelopment to Social Futures in August this year,” said Mrs Hicks.
“We are thrilled to share that 50 per cent of the combined Community and Commercial area floor plan has already been leased, with a further 20 per cent under interest.”
Community co-working and meeting spaces are being embraced. Northern Rivers Community Foundation was the first to book a meeting room where participants honed their skills at a Grant Writing for Beginners Workshop.
Byron Community College CEO, Anne Stovin, said a variety of short courses including First Aid and CPR; and Computer Basics and Tech Savvy Seniors will be available at their Byron classrooms.
“We are very excited to have space at the CoLab Space as it allows greater access for Byron Bay residents who value education and lifelong learning. We are a community organisation and proud to operate from a community space,” said Ms Stovin.
History and culture are woven deeply into the new community centre, with special features like the Yarning Circle and reclaimed bridge timbers, sitting alongside more recent innovations and contemporary ways of working.
While the popularity of open plan co-working spaces shows no signs of slowing down, the ability to hire more private micro-offices presents a relatively unique opportunity available by casual day-to-day or monthly subscription hire.
Cycling enthusiasts can also enjoy 24/7 bike hire pick-up and drop-off as Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country is now one of three convenient locations on offer with Byron Bay Bikes.
The existing Community Advisory Group, comprising 11 members including Arakwal Traditional Custodians, people from the business community, the creative arts and Byron’s multicultural community – along with a Tenant Site Management Committee – will continue to support Social Futures in shaping the evolution of Byron CoLab on Arakwal Country.
Visitor reception at the main entrance on Wordsworth Street is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. To book co-working spaces, meeting rooms or micro-offices, email [email protected]
Media and interview enquiries: Kylie Perrett | [email protected] | 0427 556 892
Social Futures is a leading community service organisation with 48 years’ experience working to achieve positive social change in our communities. At Social Futures we work to build inclusive communities where everyone is valued and supported. We support people to thrive by connecting them to the support they need when they need it. We work with communities, organisations and government across key focus areas of homelessness, housing and employment, youth and family, mental health and wellbeing, disability inclusion, sector support and seniors in community.
